A Bill to make provision for the protection of gardens and urban green spaces; and for connected purposes
The Bill would require planning authorities to have special regard to the desirability of preserving gardens and urban green spaces. Current planning guidance provides some protection for public open space but not for private gardens. The Bill has been drafted in response to concerns that too many private gardens are used to provide for house building.
House of Commons
9 November 2009
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This Bill would require planning authorities to give special regard to preserving gardens and urban green spaces when deciding planning applications. It aims to protect private gardens, not just public parks, from being used for housing, addressing concerns that gardens are being sacrificed to development. Current guidance already protects public open space but does not safeguard private gardens.
It is currently at the 2nd reading stage in the House of Commons (May 2009). The bill originated in the Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
26 Jan 2009
8 May 2009
This Bill was on the Order Paper 16 October, to resume the adjourned Second Reading from 8 May, but there was not enough time for debate on that day.
The Bill was on the Order Paper for a Second Reading on several Fridays before being dropped by its sponsor, Mr Andrew Dismore.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
